A day after MLB announced safety netting extensions will have been installed at all 30 ballparks for 2020, the Cubs say the specifics for Wrigley Field aren't set yet. A team spokesman gave a statement to ESPN's Outside the Lines: "Given the unique design of the walls along the playing field surface which are landmarked, we are still reviewing options that provide the safest and enjoyable environment for fans."
One club needs a third baseman. The other needs pitching help and controllable players. Could a deal happen?
Nine years. $324 million. Karl Ravech reacts to Gerrit Cole's record deal with the Yankees, its impact on the AL East and how the signing makes the Yankees the biggest World Series favorite in years. Then, New York Post's Joel Sherman on what Cole's decision ultimately came down to (19:15) and ESPN's Marly Rivera with a story on the moment she found out about the signing (37:23). And, SNY's Steve Gelbs with the latest on the Mets and how MLB's investigation into the Astros will impact new manager Carlos Beltran (37:23).
The agent for Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo said the team isn't working toward an extension for the All-Star at this time.
Cubs GM Jed Hoyer indicated the team isn't likely to complete a significant deal before the end of the meetings on Thursday: "I'd lean no but that can change quickly. It's still early in the week. We're not at halftime yet, so to speak." Hoyer confirmed the need for the free agent market to get moving before the trade market can heat up.
Buster and Hembo analyze Stephen Strasburg's 7-year/$245M deal and how it impacts the free agency of Anthony Rendon and Gerrit Cole. Then, ESPN's Clinton Yates (and Nationals homer) offers his own reaction to the signing before discussing the trade market for Kris Bryant and why it's important for baseball's sake that Madison Bumgarner remain with the Giants (12:55). Plus, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Derrick Goold on the Cardinals' offseason plans (22:37) and...does Scott Boras deserve a spot in Cooperstown?
Theo Epstein says he doesn't believe Kris Bryant's service-time grievance is impacting trade discussions and is confidence of the imminent ruling in the case.
Theo Epstein, on waiting for a decision, regarding Kris Bryant's grievance hearing: "We're fairly confident in what the outcome is going to be but the timing is a bit frustrating. It would be nice to know. We're at the winter meetings and there hasn't been a ruling. I understand these things take time. It's not going to be more than a couple weeks away but it would be nice to have that final confirmation."
With the MLB winter meetings underway in San Diego, Buster welcomes ESPN's Alden Gonzalez (20:51) and Jesse Rogers (31:51) to discuss the latest in the Gerrit Cole sweepstakes, landing spots for Anthony Rendon, the trade markets for Kris Bryant and Wilson Contreras and more. Plus, Tim Kurkjian on last night's Hall of Fame inductions and Sarah Langs with her take on the changes coming to Mets ownership (11:02).
From the ace in the spotlight to why this year's meetings could actually produce some major moves, here's what you need to know as the hot stove's main event begins.
A pair of Cubs interleague games against the Red Sox and Yankees will feature on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball 2020 first-half slate.
This is your one-stop shop for free-agent signings, blockbuster trades and the latest rumors and buzz.
Hoping for a busy week of moves in San Diego? So are we. Here are some deals that would get everyone talking.
Cole Hamels, who went 7-7 with a 3.81 ERA and 143 strikeouts during an injury-plagued season with the Cubs in 2019, signed a one-year, $18 million deal with the Braves.
With the MLB Hot Stove already cookin', Buster and Bob Nightengale discuss possible landing spots for the biggest names left in free agency. Plus, a special offseason "Hembo Knows" (22:13) and some Bleacher Tweets with a Texas twist (33:21).
Kris Bryant to Cincy? Anthony Rendon on the Rangers? We dream up a major hot stove splash for every squad.
Mookie. Lindor. Arenado? We examine the stars who will (or should) be in offseason trade talks.
Teams looking to avoid arbitration added a few veterans to the free-agent pool, but some exploited Monday's moves to shore up their rosters.
The Cubs did not offer a contract to infielder Addison Russell, making him a free agent after five years with the team, with his final two seasons marked by controversy.
Jharel Cotton, who went 11-10 with a 4.95 ERA in 29 starts for the A's over the 2016 and 2017 seasons before undergoing Tommy John surgery and missing all of 2018, has been traded to the Cubs.
If you could have one thing you really wanted for your favorite team, what would you be willing to give up?
Brian Cashman said "a lot of clubs" asked for permission to interview Carlos Mendoza for a bench coach position before the Yankees gave him the job. Sources told ESPN that the Cubs, who hired Andy Green, were one of them.
Need a third baseman? Add Kris Bryant to your wish list. Looking for a catcher? Willson Contreras could be available too. Here's how Chicago's winter plan could have ripple effects across the sport.
St. Louis needs more pop despite adding Paul Goldschmidt, Chicago gets a new direction with David Ross and Milwaukee needs to bolster its rotation.
| TEAM | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis | 91 | 71 | .562 | - | W1 |
| Milwaukee | 89 | 73 | .549 | 2 | L3 |
| Chicago | 84 | 78 | .519 | 7 | L1 |
| Cincinnati | 75 | 87 | .463 | 16 | W2 |
| Pittsburgh | 69 | 93 | .426 | 22 | L2 |
